Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: paul.fr on 23/11/2008 20:54:33

Title: What are the bubbles produced by putting aluminum in lemon juice?
Post by: paul.fr on 23/11/2008 20:54:33

I have this cup full of lemon juice, and everytime i put a strip of aluminium in to it, bubbles form! What are these bubbles and why are they being produced?

Title: What are the bubbles produced by putting aluminum in lemon juice?
Post by: lightarrow on 23/11/2008 21:45:38

Quote from: Paul. on 23/11/2008 20:54:33

I have this cup full of lemon juice, and everytime i put a strip of aluminium in to it, bubbles form! What are these bubbles and why are they being produced?

2Al + 2H₃Citr → 2AlCitr + 3H₂

where H₃Citr means citric acid and AlCitr means aluminum citrate. The hydrogen gas H₂ is responsible of the bubbles.

Anyway AlCitr idrolizes in water forming Al₂(OH)₃ and H₃Citr again.